In This Issue

President's Corner ~ Rhode Island Sweeps the NELA Games and Trivia at the New England Library Association This Year ~ ALA's 2025 Chapter Advocacy Cohort of Chapter Leaders ~ "The Librarians" Screenings in Newport ~ Spotlight on RILA Board Positions Available in 2026 ~ RILA 2026 Annual Conference - Call for Proposals ~ Think Ahead: 2026 RILA Awards ~ News from the Rhode Island Library Community

As 2025 comes to a close, it feels fitting to reflect upon what was and what is to come. This past year brought a disruptive change in national leadership that forced libraries across the country to stand up, speak out, and rally together. It is a testament to the power of librarians, library advocates, and community members that libraries, thrust into the glaring spotlight, beckoned support on both sides of the political aisle. The passage of the Freedom to Read Act into law in July is a perfect example of this testament, this power of community, to see the urgent need to protect and support libraries in Rhode Island. Thank you again to everyone who was instrumental in the act’s passage from the campaign’s very beginning to librarians, authors, politicians, community leaders, and organizations. Your tireless efforts did not go unnoticed, and the Rhode Island libraries and librarians are forever grateful. One such tireless advocate, Ed Garcia, received the Page Turner Award, you can read more about him and his award later in this newsletter.

Advocacy and the future of libraries was a major theme at the NELA Annual Conference, which was held in Newport at the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa from October 26-28. I spoke at the Chapter Leaders Forum on Sunday and discussed the current state of Rhode Island libraries. Over the three days, I staffed the RILA table, networked with colleagues, and attended several programs, including State of the States, a leadership workshop, and advocacy and legislation sessions. I met the new NELA President Joanna Fuchs and enjoyed our conversation about her vision for NELA and its members. I found the conference to be well-attended, and was pleased to see many RILA members and RI librarians! And to top it all off, Rhode Island won both the NELA Games and the trivia night! 

Library advocacy was also front and center at the two film screenings of the documentary film, The Librarians. These events were a joint effort between RILA and SLRI working with NewportFilm and the Jane Pickens Theatre (both in Newport). The screenings were held on October 30 and November 18, respectively. A big thank you to SLRI President Esther Wolk and many others for organizing RILA and SLRI members to attend, speak, and advocate! Read on for more about these events. 

Thinking about advocacy and the future of libraries? The RILA Board has been working on a new strategic plan for 2026-28. We recently sent out a survey on the RILA listserv. Please take some time to think about how the organization has been doing and what you would like to see the organization focus on in the coming years. The survey should take about ten minutes and closes on December 31. You can access the survey here:

https://forms.gle/rCqHb3B27N1mdHEJA.

Looking forward into 2026, the RILA Annual Conference will once again be held at the University of Rhode Island’s Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences on May 20-21, 2026. The theme is “Libraries at the Heart of America’s Story.” Libraries are the community hubs: in cities, towns, schools, and colleges. It is an apt theme as we focus on the importance of libraries, especially in today’s world. I am excited to see what is next for libraries in the new year from the conference to legislative action, fundraisers, and networking events. Our library community and state may be small, yet, as the recent success story of reinstating all federal grants has proven, we are mighty in our spirit and heart.

Benjamin Hanley, RILA President

president@rilibraries.org

Rhode Island Sweeps the NELA Games and Trivia at the New England Library Association This Year

Rhode Island swept the NELA Games and Trivia this year, proving that the Ocean State is small but mighty when it comes to library smarts. In celebration of Jane Austen’s birthday, the NELA Games were regency themed and teams were challenged to create a three-minute skit inspired by Austen using random prompts and plot twists. Rhode Island’s quick wit, use of props (do you see those beautiful masks?) and creativity stole the show and upgraded us from the brain to the bong! Trivia was a harder victory, but some smart wagering during the final question ensured we took home the win. We hope that more Rhode Island library staff will join us in Vermont next October so we can defend our titles!

Announcing the RILA Member App!

We are pleased to announce that our membership software company (Wild Apricot/Personify) has released a free member app, available for both Apple and Android. With the RILA membership app, you can view your profile, edit your contact information, renew your membership right from your device, view your membership card to get discounts to local bookstores, see which events you are registered for, and more!

Please note: The member app cannot be branded as "RILA" at this time, so on your device it will just say "Member App" with the above logo.

ALA's 2025 Chapter Advocacy Cohort of Chapter Leaders

Kiki Butler, RILA Vice President, and Jillian Waugh, SLRI Vice President, will join ALA's 2025 Chapter Advocacy cohort of Chapter Leaders in Chicago in December for its annual chapter leadership training. This training will provide Kiki and Jillian with additional skills and knowledge to help them in their advocacy efforts on behalf of RILA and our library communities in the state. Congratulations Kiki and Jillian!

"The Librarians" Screenings in Newport

RILA and SLRI worked together with NewportFilm and the Jane Pickens Theatre (both in Newport) for two film screenings of the documentary film, The Librarians. The screenings were held on October 30 and November 18, respectively. Well over one hundred people attended the two events where we also had advocacy tables and panel discussions. A big thank you to SLRI President Esther Wolk, RILA President Ben Hanley, and other board and organization members: Catherine Damiani, Beatrice Pulliam, Jillian Waugh, Kiki Butler, Deanna Brooks, and many others for organizing RILA and SLRI members to attend, speak, and advocate! Read on for more about these events.

Spotlight on RILA Board Positions Available in 2026

Vice President/President-Elect

This is key leadership position that works with the RILA President on a variety of RILA special projects & strategic planning, serves on the Budget & Finance committee and may also serve on one of RILA's other Standing committees (e.g. Conference, Membership, Communications).

• The Vice President/President-Elect is a voting member of the RILA Executive Board
• Nominated by RILA Nominating Committee or self-nomination
• Current RILA membership required
• Term: 3 years / (1 year as VP; 1 year as President; 1 year as Past-President)

Member-at-Large (2)

This is an outreach focused position that assists with a variety of RILA special projects & strategic planning, and may serve on one of RILA's Standing committees (e.g. Conference, Membership, Communications, etc.)

• Current RILA membership required
• Term: 2 years

These open board positions provide an opportunity to gain valuable, professional, executive board experience while giving back to the library profession. For more information about this position, please contact president@rilibraries.org

RILA 2026 Annual Conference - Call for Proposals

The Conference Committee strives to create a vibrant conference that will leave attendees invigorated and inspired. Our 2026 theme is Libraries at the Heart of America’s Story. We are seeking proposals that explore our theme in different ways, including libraries as community hubs; equitable, diverse, inclusive, and anti-racist communities; community partnerships and connections; and the many ways libraries are at the heart of their community. As always, your proposal does not need to conform to the theme to be considered for inclusion in the conference. This conference will take place in person at the Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI. The school library track will be Thursday, May 21, 2026. The deadline for proposals is Friday, January 30, 2026. Questions? Please email programs@rilibraries.org. You will be notified in early March if your proposal has been accepted and if any changes are required. The committee may request that you adjust your content or format for acceptance.

Think Ahead: 2026 RILA Awards

It is not too early to consider nominating your colleague, friend's group or trustee who have made a significant contribution to your library and community! The 2026 RILA Awards Voting opens on February 27! Visit the Awards Criteria page for more details. 2026 nominations are due by Friday, March 27, 2026.

Rhode Island Center for the Book Honors Ed Garcia with 2025 Page Turner Award

The Rhode Island Center for the Book proudly presented Ed Garcia, Director of the Cranston Public Library, with the 2025 Page Turner Award during a celebration held on November 13 at the William Hall Library. Established in 2023, the Page Turner Award honors a librarian or educator who has made an outstanding contribution to the Center’s mission and who champions the joy of reading throughout the state.

Performer Educator For Hire Vendor Fair

Calling all Magicians, Puppeteers, Artists, Musicians, Storytellers, and Instructors. If you design programs for families, children, and teens, WE WANT YOU!

Showcase your talents and offerings, connect with RI librarians and teachers, and book future events.

February 26, 2026 4-6pm at the Warwick Public Library. Registration is required

The Power of Personal Projects with Photographer Justin Mott

Please join us as Smithfield native, Justin Mott—now based in Vietnam—shares stories and lessons from nearly two decades behind the camera. Justin’s talk explores how he uses personal projects to stay inspired throughout a career that spans more than 100 New York Times assignments, global commercial campaigns, and an award-winning documentary film. He is also the former host and judge of the History Channel series Photo Face-Off.

Through his ongoing Kindred Guardians project, which documents people who devote their lives to helping animals, Justin shows how personal work can fuel creativity, sustain passion, and offer anyone a meaningful way to create and contribute. Mott's work and portfolio can be viewed at www.justinmott.com.

Monday, December 29th at 6pm at The East Smithfield Public Library. Please register.